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By Alan, on January 13th, 2012
 Anglia Ruskin University is going to be hosting an auction and fashion show in aid of the NSPCC. This event is being hosted as a celebration of the 25th anniversary since the start of ChildLine. The event has been organised by the NSPCC and is being helped by students studying fashion at the University as well as local fashion retailers.
Kate Armstrong is from the southern Cambridgeshire NSPCC and she has commented, “It is very important that young people have a role in organising this event because ChildLine is all about the support of young people and helping those who are at particular risk.”
The highlight of the evening is going to be the catwalk show and this will feature many designs from students at the University. There are also going to be lines from Cuckoo, as well as swimwear and lingerie from Le Reve and hats from Abigail Crampton Millinery.
Tickets are on sale for £20 and this includes a goodie bag and a welcome drink. Opportunities to buy clothing are going to be before the catwalk show as well as afterwards. There is going to be a fashion draw at the event as well as a burlesque show. Another highlight of the evening is going to be the fashion auction which is going to be hosted by Will Axon, who is famous for its role on BBC television’s Flog It.
The evening has sponsorship from BMW and the whole event is designed to raise awareness about the work the NSPCC is doing and especially that which is taking place through ChildLine. The head of ChildLine is Sue Minto who is said, “Children should have access to confidential support and this is something that ChildLine has been providing for the last quarter of a century.
It is sad that we still need to provide this confidential line but it is something that is needed in society and we can’t see this changing in the near future. We are continually working on new ways for children to contact us in a way that they feel comfortable with and get them counselling if they need it.”
By Alan, on January 5th, 2012
 The fashion world has been dominated by male designers for decades, and the High Street sensation Zara is no exception. Founded in the Spanish town of Corunna in 1975 by Amancio Ortega Gaina, the chain has gone on to dominate High Streets and shopping centres all over the world, with over 1,500 shops in nearly 70 different countries.
Gaina is not just one of the most important figures in fashion, but also happens to be the eighth richest man in the world, a fortune built on the back of the worldwide success of Zara and its parent company Inditex Group. Now the popular chain is expanding further by branching out into clothes for babies and children.
Zara has always been known for its individual style in the ranges of clothes, accessories and shoes for women, and the early signs are good that this individuality has been retained in the planned designs for Kiddy’s Class. With almost 300 designers working full time for the company, it is hardly surprising that Zara has always managed to stay one step ahead of the competition when it comes to setting trends.
The separate Kiddy’s Class stores are already starting to make their presence felt in some of Europe’s biggest shopping streets, with plans for further expansion in the future. Zara’s design team has found the move into clothes for children something of a challenge, as recent trends are for young people to dress in adult styles. The Kiddy’s Class range aims to provide fashion-conscious youngsters – and their parents – with a choice that is stylish but will still leave children dressed like children.
Fans of Zara’s adult clothes will be happy to know that the same work ethic will apply to the Kiddy’s Class range, with stock rotating on a regular basis and new designs appearing in stores monthly. Again, the in-house team of designers keep the Zara range feeling and looking fresh – and can have a new outfit on the shop floor less than a fortnight after first sketching out an idea.
By Alan, on December 29th, 2011
 The Winter Sales at Vertbaudet has already been running throughout December, and significant savings are to be found right across the website on hundred of different items and their children’s clothing collections. Vertbaudet customers can save up to 60% on a huge range of items including baby clothes for newborns, boys and girls and also accessories, as well as their range of baby furnishings, both furniture and décor.
Excited mums to be haven’t been forgotten either as there are great savings to be had on Vertbaudet’s fabulous maternity collection, and full priced items also have savings of up to 30%, giving expectant mums even more savings. The elegant maternity dresses in the sale included the stylish crossover dress in a bold fuschia and purple pattern that has been reduced from £35 down to £14. Add a chic cardigan for a stunning winter outfit.
The Colline collection is a vast range of maternity clothing that includes tunics, trousers, tops, dresses, blouses, underwear and cool, organic cotton items that will keep that ever growing bump comfortable, and the savings that can be made on this fabulous collection have to be seen to be believed.
Some of the star items that are selling like hotcakes are, for girls, a 2 in 1 stretch t-shirt with a beautiful bold print for only £4.50 and a boy’s rugby shirt and trousers set in pure cotton for £11.50.
Those with baby girls will love one of the choice items in the Vertbaudet winter sale, an adorable and purely organic cotton striped dress to protect both baby’s skin and mum’s purse being priced at just £6.40, a 60% saving. Baby boys will look cute and stylish in hood striped jersey in a cotton a wool knit which is half price at £7.00.
Vertbaudet have gone to great lengths to ensure that their winter sale is positively teeming with a fantastic selection of children’s clothing across all their specialist collections that are found in their current catalogue for Autumn/Winter 2011-12.
A prime example is the smart and unique styling that the guest designer 100DRINE adorns many items of clothing for both boys and girls, and everyone will love her quirky little line drawings. Many of her most popular drawings and fun messages on clothes are included in this amazing sale.
The UNICEF range is both popular and beneficial and many of these clothes feature in Vertbaudet’s sale, and £1 from every item sold, be it full price or in the sale, is donated directly to the charity UNICEF.
For those who care about the environment, the Organic collection whose clothing and accessories are as gentle on the environment as they are on the delicate skin of a baby are making a big appearance in this sale. There are savings of up to 60% on organic cotton sleep bags, blankets, bed linen, soft toys, cot bumpers and Vertbaudets ultra cute bath cape and mitt set.
By Alan, on December 22nd, 2011
 Next, the British fashion and home retailer, launched a great Christmas range of fancy dress costumes this year. . As well as the fun fancy dress range, kids will also love the winter knitwear and Christmas pyjamas. There are elf pram boots and reindeer booties for the little ones as well as elf outfits and Santa dresses in newborn sizes.
Outfits that were perfect for school plays, Christmas parties and general festive fun included angels, Santa’s little helpers and Christmas fairies. The seasonal sleepwear has penguin and robin pyjamas, penguin slippers for both boys and girls, and bed socks,. In the winter casuals range there are Fairisle cardigans, reindeer jumpers and trapper hats, all proving to be huge hits.
The range of homeware on next.co.uk also proved ideal for children to decorate their rooms for Santa coming, and these included Santa sacks, Christmas stockings and Christmas pudding doorstops. There are also great duvet sets that are printed with ‘Santa Stop Here!’ which look superb with the Next range of kids bedroom furniture.
Parents haven’t been forgotten either, and this years Next partywear collection is full of elegant evening wear and seasonal sparkle. Men can choose a stylish dinner jacket, while women are spoilt for choice with the array of party dresses available. The new Lipsy London range means that there are even more trendy embellished dresses and playsuits to wear at those important Christmas functions.
Check out the full party collections, with the new seasonal arrival, and the children’s range atwww.next.co.uk. There are also daily tips to help you enjoy a happy and stress free Christmas.
By Alan, on December 21st, 2011
 Prada have recently been accused of being irresponsible in their advertising and the Advertising Standards Authority has received a complaint that one of their latest adverts carry the theme of child suicide.
The advert pictures a 14-year-old girl crying by railway track and is a promotion for the Miu Miu range by the fashion giant. The ASA rejected the complaint however, stating that the image didn’t involve suicide but still ruled that the advert was irresponsible because it showed a child in an unsafe environment.
The child actress involved in the advertising campaign is Hailee Steinfeld who came to international prominence last year after being nominated for an Oscar for her performance in the movie True Grit. Prada defended the advert saying that it is not targeted towards children and only appears in magazines designed for adults, such as the fashion magazine Tatler.
They also state that in the campaign Steinfeld is not crying and was not asked to look at sad in any way. Instead they say that she is looking thoughtful and confirmed that there was absolutely no danger to her while the advert was being shot.
Despite this the ASA held their ground saying that the advert cannot continue to appear in magazines as no matter whether Steinfeld was in a dangerous situation or not, as the advert still implies danger.
The Authority stated, “This is a clear breach of the code and we will not accept this advert being published.” Prada is not the only major fashion company to come under fire for the use of child models recently and Marc Jacobs attracted a great deal of criticism several months ago for his use of Elle Fanning.
By Alan, on December 21st, 2011
 2011 has to go down as a pretty good year for Versace, their collaboration with H&M brought queues around the block worldwide, they have dressed everyone from Heidi Klum to Chloe Moretz, have produced two catwalk shows that brought much critical acclaim and now, just before the year draws to a close, they have opened the doors of their first clothing boutique for children in Milan.
The one storey store boasts a huge white and lilac fairground ride and is littered throughout with supersized candy canes, and is dedicated to Young Versace, their kids line which they launched last June as Pitti Immagine Bimbo, the international exhibition of children’s wear.
Baby bottle with Swarovski crystals and leopard prints, mini suits complete with cummerbunds and fairytale dresses are just a few of the designs that nestle against the medusa head Versace signature that decorates the walls and carpets.
Versace aren’t alone however in boosting glamour in childrens wear, Alber Elbaz bas recently wound up a pop up shop tour in New York, which saw the exclusive range for little girls, Lanvin Petite, take in the likes of Monaco and Paris. While next March will see Roger Vivier, the French shoe makers, launch a collection of girls shoes called Jeune Fille, and will be selling ballet pumps at €240 a pair.
Kids collections from Stella McCartney, Burberry, Christian Dior and Dolce and Gabbana are also on the shelves and a line is also rumoured to be coming from Victoria Beckham.
By Alan, on December 15th, 2011
 Next, the lifestyle brand have recently launched new winter lines for their children’s clothing which is joining the already very popular clothing items from the autumn and winter collection that had been released recently. The collection is targeted at all children, from new born to sixteen year olds.
Next has over 500 stores throughout the UK and also a very popular website which has hundreds of clothing options for children this winter. The new collection means there are even more options for children to wrap up warm in clothes that are fashionable as well as practical. The clothing retailer is also offering a special offer on postage that for any items purchased they will be delivered the next day before nine in the evening.
For girls, knitted jumpers with a quirky style are very popular and bobble hats are in store and to match with these nicely. Stripey tights as well as legwarmers are also a hit and these will look great with the leather boots that are also found in the store.
Chinos and denim are popular for boys this winter and there are new arrivals in both these categories. Baseball jackets and fairisle sweaters also join the range and there are many different fits available. For children looking for fun sweatshirts then there are these available with scenes from Star Wars and Hello Kitty.
Next has established itself as a firm favourite for childrenswear and bidders have also started providing other items that parents will buy for their children including bedding collections and various bedroom furniture items. One of the most popular items this season is a rose duvet for girls.
By Alan, on December 11th, 2011
 Shopping for shoes for young boys is something many parents dread and unfortunately something that has to be done on a very regular basis due to the fact that boys tend to heavy on their footwear. As boys tend to be very active and are often engaged in activity in unsuitable shoes they tend to wear out pretty quickly, and apart from wear and tear they tend to get rather smelly thanks to foot perspiration.
Thankfully, there are now a range of shoes on the market which will make life a lot easier for parents when shopping for shoes for young boys. The Geox shoes are breathable due to their soles having a micro perforated rubber solution on them. There is also a waterproof membrane inside and the two together ensures that the air circulates around shoe while worn to prevent perspiration collecting in the shoe and making them smelly.
Apart from helping a boys feet to stay drier and smell better they will help them to be less embarrassed about their smelly feet, and their feet are also going to be healthier thanks to them getting proper ventilation. Another great thing about Geox boys shoes is that they are very modern and stylish and will appeal to even the most pickiest of children who has to be bang on trend in the school yard.
There are also ranges from Geox for those boys who are particularly hard on their shoes, and the Savage line is one of them. The stitching not only looks ultra cool but also offers extra reinforcement to make sure that whatever your boy gets up to in them, they will not fall apart. The feet are also taken care of as there is hidden piece of cushioned fabric inside the insole.
These shoes are so precisely put together that no trendy young man will turn his nose up and you can relax in the knowledge that not only does your son have the trendiest shoes, they are also taking care of his feet at the same time.
By Alan, on December 5th, 2011
 Little Terra is a clothing company that are specialists in outdoor clothing for children and now they are going to be stocking children skiing clothes from the company Spyder. Little Terra is based on Derbyshire and has recently unveiled the new range of ski clothing ready in time for the ski season.
The collection includes gloves, hats, ski pants, jackets, and roll necks for wearing under a jacket. Spyder is one of the most desirable skiing brands and all of the clothes feature the logo of the company.
The Avenger and Challenger jackets have been created for boys and they are waterproof and insulated to keep out the cold. For girls there is the Lola jacket which also acts to keep children dry and warm in the resort or on the slopes.
The fact that the jackets are designed with skiers in mind means that they have useful additions such as, mesh pockets, a pocket for a lift pass and a special wipe for your ski goggles.
Caroline Budding is responsible for buying children’s clothes at Little Terra and has stated, “Spyder is a very desirable brand on the slopes and many people don’t realise that despite its recent success the brand has been in existence for over 40 years and also supplies clothes to professional skiers. You can really see their extensive experience in the quality of their clothing.”
By Alan, on December 3rd, 2011
 A Gucci store exclusively for kids has just opened on Fifth Avenue, between East 56th and 57th streets, and this brings even more decadence to those already well heeled and spoilt rotten. While the prices aren’t quite as high as they are for the adults, they come pretty close, with one jacket with a fur lined collar selling for $1995, and a long sleeved t shirt that will set you back nearly $200.
You have to wonder who would pay out all this money considering how quickly kids grow, and also their tendency to spill things on their clothes and stain them. There were many people outside the new store on Tuesday and had a good giggle at the whole concept of pint sized couture and took plenty of photos. Some even ventured inside for a look around, but their credit cards stayed firmly in their purses and wallets.
Kosta and Despina Papadopoulos, a couple from Athens who were visiting New York popped in with the idea of getting something for their 11 month old son, but were put off by the prices. Kostas said the clothes were very cute, but also very expensive, and his wife nodded in agreement.
43 year old Mike Walter was also turned off by the large price tags when he got inside the store, he spoke as he was leaving the boutique on Tuesday, and said that he would have a hard time justifying the prices for himself never mind for a child.
Mr Walter hails from Memphis and while in New York on business was doing a bit of shopping for Tristan, his 3 year old son. He picked up a few presents for the boy from FAO Schwartz, including an action figure of the Green Lantern, but decided not to splash out of designer fashions, saying that there was no way he was going to spend $500 on a jumper for a 3 year old.
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